Successive non-inteefeeence signal box



(No M'oaei.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

I'. W. COLE.

SUCCESSIVE NONJNTBRPBRENGE SIGNAL BOX.. No. 445,795. Patented Feb. 3,1891.

(No Model.)

3 Sheets- Sheet 2. F.'W. GOLE. SUCCESSIVE NON-INTEBPBRENGB SIGNAL BOX.

Patented Feb. 3,1891.

Tw www In www (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

F. W. COLE.

SUCCESSIVE NON-INTERPBRBNGE 'SIGNAL BOX. 1\o.445,'795. Patented Feb. 3,1891

dz/167065565, S 4 1 wem M 244/07- 1725663625676 Z', 603e,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.'

FREDERICK IV. COLE, OF NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALE TO MOSES G. CRANE, OF SAME PLACE.

SUCCESSIVE NON-INTERFERENCE SIGNAL-BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,795, dated February 3, 1891.

Application filed November 22, 1889. Serial No. 331,192. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern,.-

Be it known that I, FREDERICK W. COLE, of Newton, county of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Successive Non-Interference Signal-Boxes, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a speoication, like letters and figures Von the drawings representing like parts.

This invention has for its object to improve the construction of non-interference signalboxes, the production of a successive box being the essential feature.

In accordance with this invention the signaling mechanism may be of anywell-known or suitable construction. Means are employed for holding the signaling mechanism in its normal or fixed position. A clog,`stop, or holdfast is arranged adjacent to one of the parts or members of the means employed for holding the signaling mechanism, which clog is moved in one direction by a time-train or mtor mechanism and in the opposite direction by a spring or equivalent. The movement of the clog is under the control of the non-interference magnet in such a manner that when a signal is being transmitted from another box in the circuit the non-interference clog will be so placed as to hold the signaling mechanism of the box containing it in abeyance if it should be operated at such time; but when the line is clear the said clog is in position to permit the said signaling mechanism to operate. A time-train4 is arranged to be Wound up by a key or by means controlled or actuated by the actuating or operating lever or pull of the box, or it may be otherwise wound.

As herein represented, a normally-wound signaling mechanism is shown; but so far as the present invention consistsvany form or construction may be employed.

Figure l shows in front elevation one form of signaling mechanism to which the invention herein to be described is applied; Figs. 2 and 3, details to be referred to; Fig-4, a view similar to Fig. l, showinga modication of my invention; Fig 5, another modification. Fig. 6 is a left-hand end view of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is an under side View of Fig. 2 on the line Fig. 8 is a similar View of the plate carrying the projections 5 6 7. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the upper portion of Fig. 6L

Referring to Fig. l, the signaling mechanism proper consists of a winding-arbor a., having arranged on it a mainspring, a ratchetwheel b, and a toothed d riving-wheel c, the said wheel c carrying a pawl c', which engages the ratchet-wheel, a toothed wheel c, which meshes 6o with a pinion' c2, fixed to a shaft carrying a toothed Wheel c3, which latter meshes with a pinion c4, fixed to a shaft carrying the escapewheel c5, with which co-operates a. suitable pallet c6. The train of mechanism thus de- 65. scribed is held normally wound by a let-off or controlling-lever, one arm, as d, of which obstructs the path of a stop-pin 2 on the escapewheel. The said letott` or controlling-lever is held in position to hold the train fast by 7o means of a spring e, which bears against a pin 3 on the other arm d of the said let-off or controlling-lever.

The let-off or controlling-lever is moved out of its position to hold fast the train by means of a sprin g e', which is weaker than the spring e. so that it is held under tension until such time as the stronger spring e may be removed.

A block or plate is arranged loosely on a stud 4, having, as herein shown, three projec- 8o tions 5 6 7, the projection 5 being arranged adjacent to the spring e, so that when the said plate is moved on the stud 4 in the direction of the arrow it will act to move and hold the said spring e away from the said pin 3 of the let-off or controlling-lever. The actuating-lever t, having a spring (not shown) holding it in normal or elevated position, is also arranged on the stud L1, it having projecting from it at one side a pin 8, which overlies 9o the projection G of the block or plate, vso that as the actuating-lever t' is depressed the pin 8, bearing on the projection 6, will turn said plate on the stud e in the direction of the arrow. A proj ect-ion 9 is arranged on the actu- 95 ating-lever e', which as the actuating-lever is depressed passes over a projection 10 on the let-off or controlling-lever, so asto hold the said let-off or controlling-lever at rest during the time the actuating-lever is being depressed Ico and the arm 5 is being movedinto position to relieve the said controlling-lever of the pressure of the spring c. As soon, however, as the lever t' has been restored to its normal position and the projection 9 has passed by the end of the arm lO the controlling-lever is moved by the spring c', as the projection 5 still holds the spring c away.

A clog or holdfast for the let-off or controlling lever is shown at fa, it being loosely mounted on a shaft n. A spring n2 is also arranged on said shaft, one end of which is secured to or presses against said clog, and the other end is secured to or presses against a pin arranged on the frame-work and shown in dotted lines, the tendency ot` the spring being to throw the clog rearwardly in the direction of the arrow thereon. The clog n occupies a position (see detail, Fig. 3) permitting a free and unobstructed movement of the let-off or controlling-lever in a direction to release the mechanism; but when in its other position (see Fig. I) the movement of the let-off or controlling-lever is prevented. A pawl as is loosely arranged on the clog n, which is connected by a pin-and-slot. connection with the lever m, carrying the armature m of the non-interference magnet m2. The lever m'moves the pawl n3 into and out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel 0, secured to the shaft n. A pinion o (see dotted lines) is also secured to the shaft n', which is engaged by a toot-hed wheel o2, arranged loosely on the winding-arbor 03. A ratchet-wheel o'L is secured to said winding-arbor o3, which is engaged by a pawl o5, carried by the toothed wheel 02. A mainspring is also arranged on the winding-arbor o3 in any usual manner. A toothed wheel 06 is also secured to the shaft n', which engages a pinion o7, secured to a shaft carrying an escape-wheel 0S. This lastnamed train of gears constitutes a time-train which may be wound up by a key engaging the square end of the winding-arbor, or, if desired, a pinion, as o9, may be placed on said arbor, which may be engaged by a sector 01", mounted loosely on the stud 4, the rear end of the arm of the sector being engaged by the pin S on the actuating arm or lever, or, so far as the present invention is concerned, it may be wound in any other usual manner.

The clog n bears a dog t, which engages a detent t when said clog is in the position shown in FiU. 3, and while there serves to hold fast'the train; but when said clog n is moved into the position shown in Fig. l the non-interference train is released and, unless otherwise prevented, will start up. I have, however, shown a dog t2 on thelever d which engages and disengages the wheel ob of the time-train. As shown, the dog t2 will engage the wheel 06 when the controlling-lever has been moved to release the signaling-train, so as to hold the non-interference train at rest at such time.

lVith the parts in their normal position and the door of the box open ready for a signal to be transmitted the armature m will be attracted, the clog n will be as shown in Fig. 3, and as the actuating-lever is depressed the let-off or controlling-lever d d will be moved to start the mechanism; but if a signal from another box is being transmitted the armature m will be retracted, as shown in Fig. l, and as it is retracted the lever m causes the pawl n3 to disergage the ratchet-wheel o, and as soon as such disengagement is effected the clog n will by means of the spring n2 be moved into the position shown in Fig. l. Vith the parts in this position, if the actuating-lever is depressed, the spring e will be moved away from the arm d and lheld by means of the plate 5 6 until said plate is moved back into its normal position. The plate 5 6 thus remaining in position to hold the spring e away from the let-off or controlling-lever, the latter will release or set free or start the mechanism just as soon as the clog n is moved out of the way. As soon as the line is clear the armature m will be attracted and the pawl n3 will again engage the ratchet-wheel7 and as the train driving it is running the clog 'n is soon driven back into its normal position, when its dog t stops the said train. The letoff or controlling-lever is then free to operate.

To provide against the signaling mechanism being held by the let-off a long time after the pull has been operated, I have arranged a projection 12 on the arm of the sector 010, which as soon as the said sector arrives atits normal position strikes the projection 7 of the plate 5 G 7 and returns the latter to its normal position, thereby permitting the spring c to resume its normal position, thus preventing the signaling mechanism from operating until the boX has been pulled again, the advantage being that if a signal could not be sent in when wanted, as in the case of a line being down, it would not come in at any other time afterward and give a false alarm, as when the line was again repaired, it being perhaps several hours afterward. If, however, the signal is transmit-ted, the pin 13 on the toothed Wheel c3, just before the latter makes one complete rotation, strikes the arm 6 of the plate 5 6 7 and returns the plate to its normal position, allowing the spring e to move the locking-lever to stop the signalingtrain.

The signaling mechanism thus described is successive-that is to say, if the line is clear it will transmitits signal when operated; but if the line is not clear it will wait until such time arrives, and the signal will then be transmitted without the necessity of a second time moving the actuating lever or arm.

The time-train or motor mechanism employed for controlling the movement of the let-off or controlling-levermay vary materially in construction, many forms being common. So I do not desire to limit myself to any particular form; also, it will be seen that pressure on the let-off or controlling-lever is released by means of the actuating-lever, and

IIO

IIS

the said let-off or controlling-lever can move as soon as the clog permits it to do so.

Referring to Fig. 4L, the let-ott or controlling-lever (l d vis shown arranged to setfree a normally-Wound-up train, as in Fig. 1. A spring c bears against an arm p, which in turn bears against a pin 15 on the let-off or controlling-lever. The arm d is moved or set free by means of a spring e. (See dotted lines.) The same arm d of the let-ohc or controlling-lever engages` the armature-lever m.

The signaling mechanism is provided With a common form of starting-lever m6, which is pivoted to the frame-Work, one end of which, when raised by means of the actuating-pull throws the arm p away from the let-off or controlling-lever against the `tension of the spring e, so that the spring e can act. In this instance the let-ott or controlling-lever engages a shoulder formed on an arm fm, which is moved by the armature of the nonintert'erence magnet and by said arm is held. In lieu, however, of the time-train shown in Fig. l, a simple form of retarding device or train is shown, comprising a section on the arm m, a pinion,pawl and ratchet, an escapewheel, and fan.

In lieu of the let-ott' or controlling-lever herein shown, I may employ any torm of looking-lever by which the signaling mechanism is positively held.

Referring to Fig. 5, a signaling-train is shown having a starting-lever m6, held down by a Weak spring u. A stronger spring u is attached to the starting-lever, against which the pull `u2 bears. A clog n3 is arranged above the starting-lever 'm6, carried by a member, the position of which is controlled by the armature of the non-interference magnet, similar to that described in Fig. l. When the clog is in a position directly over the starting-lever, the latter cannot be lifted; but the pull may raise the spring u.

I claim- 4 .p

l. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism and actuating devices therefor, comprising a controlling-lever, signaling-lever, and co-op` erating parts whereby the signaling mechanism may be set in condition to operate Whenever the signaling-lever is operated, combined with a clog which `when in one position prevents movement of the controlling lever and when in its other position permits movement of said controlling-lever, and a non-interference magnet and its armature, the latter controlling the position of said clog, substantially as described.

2. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism and actuating devices therefor, comprising a controlling-lever, signaling-lever, and co-operating parts whereby the signaling mechanism may be set in condition to operate whenever the signaling-lever is operated, combined with a clog which when in one position prevents movement of the controllinglever and when in its other position permits movement of said controlling-lever, anon-interference magnet and its armature, and a time-train for moving said clog in one direction, its operative connection with said timetrain being controlled by said armature, substantially as described.

3. In a signal-box, the signaling mechanism, controlling-lever for it, means for moving the controlling-lever, and a clog arranged to enter the path of movement of the said controlling-lever, combined with a spring for moving said clog in one direction and a timetrain for restoring said clog to its normal position, and a non-interference magnet and its armature, the latter controlling the operative connection of the clog and time-train, substantially as described.

4. In a signal-box, the signaling mechanism, controlling-lever for it, and a clog which when in one position holds the controlling-lever fast and when in its other position permits movement ot' the controlling-lever, combined with avtime-train for moving the clog in one direction and a spring for moving it in the opposite direction, and a non -interference magnet and its armature, the latter controlling the operative connection of the clog with the time-train, substantially as described.

5. In a signal-box, the signaling mechanism, a controlling-lever for it, a clog for said controlling-lever, and a non-interference magnet and its armature, the latter controlling the position of the said clog, combined with a plate for releasing the locking-pressure on the controlling-lever and means, substantially as described, tor moving said plate, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

G. In a signal-boX,the signaling mechanism, a con trolling-lever for it, and a Weak spring for moving said controlling-lever, combined With. a strong spring for holding said let-off or controlling-lever in its normal position against the tension of the weak spring and means, substantially as described, for moving said strong spring to relieve the pressure, substantially as set forth.

7. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism and a controlling-lever for it, a spring for moving it in one direction, and another spring for holding it against the tension of the vfirstnamed spring` combined with a non-interference clog for said spring-actuated controllinglever and a time-train for said clog, substantially as described.

S. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism and a spring-actuated controlling-lever for it, combined with a plate for releasing the pressure of said controlling-lever, means, substantially as described, for restoring said plate to its normal position, and a signaling-lever, substantially as described.

9. In a non-interference signal-box, a signaling-train, a controlling-lever for it, and an actuating-spring for the controlling-lever, combined with an independent time-train, Which when running holds the controlling'- lever against the force of its actuating-spring, and a non-interference magnet and its arma- IDO IIO

ture separate from the controlling-lever, controlling the operation of said time-train, substantially described.

l0. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism and a spring-actuat-i ng controlling-lever for it, means for holding it against the tension of its'actuating-spring, and a movable plate by which the controlling -lever is placed undery the influence of its actuating-spring to thereby set the signaling mechanism in condition to operate, combined with an independent motor mechanism and means moved by it for restoring the said plate to its normal position after a predetermined length of time, substantially as described.

1l. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism, a controlling-lever for it, means for holding the controlling-lever in its normal position, a plate for effecting movement of the said controlling-lever, and a clog for controlling the movement of said controlling-lever, combined with a non-interference train with which the said c log is operatively connected and means, as a pin, for restoring said plate to its normal position after a predetermined length of time, substantially as described.

l2. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism, a/controlling-lever for it, means for holding the said controlling-lever in its normal position, and the projection 10 on the controlling-lever, combined with the signalinglever having lthe projection 9 on it and the plate 5 G, moved by the signaling-lever and restored by the train, substantially as described.

13. In a4 signal-box, signaling` mechanism, a controlling-lever for it, and a spring forholding the controlling-lever in its normal posivtion, combined withthe plate 5 6, adapted to remain in whatever position it maybe placed, `for moving said spring to release the controlling-lever, the signaling-lever for moving the said plate in one direction, and means for restoring said plate to its normal position, substantially as described.

I4. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism, a controlling-lever for it, and means for holding the controlling-lever in its normal position, combined with the plate 5 6 7, a signaling-lever for moving it in one direction, that the controlling-lever may assume its abnormal position, a pin carried on one of the moving parts of the train for restoring said plate to its normal position, a non-interference train, magnet, and armature, and a pin carried by said non-interference train for also restoring said plate to its normal position, substantially as described. i

l5. In a successive non-interference signalbox, a signaling-train, a signaling-lever, an

independent time-train, and a non-interference magnet and its armature controlling the operation of said independent train, combined with a controlling-lever having a dog t2 thereon and interposed between the signaling and independent trains, the dog locking and preventing the independent train from running unnecessarily when the signaling-train is released by the movement of said lever out of engagement therewith, substantially as described.

1G. In a signal-box, signaling mechanism, a--controlling-l'ever for it, and means for holding said controlling-lever in normal position, combined With a plate for effecting movement of said controlling-lever, a pin carried by one of the wheels of the train for restoring said plate to its normal position, and a signaling-lever in the path of movement of which the plate continually lies, substantially as described.

17. In a signal-box,a signaling-train, a controlling-lever which normally holds the train at rest, a spring for moving it to release the train, and a. signaling-lever governing the operation of the actuating-spring of the controlling-lever, combined with an independent time-train governing the movement of said controlling-lever to allow the train to operate and a non-interference magnet and its armature for governing the operation of said time-train, substantially as described.

18. In a signal-box, a signaling-train and a signaling-lever for placing it under the control of its main or actuating spring, combined with an independent time tra-in, an independent controlling-lever for holding the' signaling-train after the signaling-lever has been operated, said controlling-lever being governed by said independent time-train, and a non-interference magnet and its armature controlling the operation of said independent time-train, substantially as described.

19. In a signal-box, a signaling-train, a locking-lever for it, and a signaling-lever for placing the signaling-train directly under the control of said locking-lever, combined with an independent time-train controlling the movement of said locking-lever and a non-interference magnet and its armature controllin g the return of said independent time-train, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FREDERICK W. COLE. Witnesses:

Bannion J. Novus, E. J. BENNETT. 

